International Journal of Applied Research

Parotid Gland – A unique habitat for ‘Trichinella Spiralis’

AbstractTrichinosis (also called Trichinellosis) is a zoonotic infection caused by the larvae of roundworm species Trichinella spiralis. The disease is caused by consuming raw or undercooked pork and wild genome infected with the larvae of roundworm species. It is a serious condition prevalentin many regions of the world. The disease commonly involves the gastrointestinal tract and muscle tissue, followed by the central nervous system. The parotid gland, however, is a rare site of this disease. Hence, we present a case of Trichinellosis, involving the parotid gland (a rare site). Case report:A 32 yr old female presented with painless swelling of the right parotid gland. She was treated initially with antibiotics butshowedno improvement. The microscopic examination of FNA aspirated material corresponded to a cystic inflammatory process. The parotid tumor was surgically removed. Histopathological study of the cystic lesion revealed the presence of the parasite Trichinella spiralis and hence it was diagnosed as Trichinellosis of the parotid gland.